Military analysts are noting that while Russia claims the moves are training exercises, such operations require notification of neighboring states under a series of conventional arms agreements. To date, none has been received. In fact, the existence of the mobilization was denied by the Kremlin until Thursday of this week when live fire exercises began within only a few kilometers of the Ukraine border.

U.S. intelligence officials state that Ukraine’s interim government is appealing to the U.S. for direct military aid, including arms, ammunition and intelligence support, though the Obama administration has reportedly only agreed to send military rations for the time being.

According to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey:

General Dempsey went on to say that the U.S. does have treaty obligations with our NATO allies and he has assured them that should the treaty obligation is triggered, the U.S. would respond [militarily].

This situation is fluid and has significant potential of getting ugly, very fast. Despite efforts by diplomats to talk each other into submission, few expect Russia will ever relinquish control of the strategically vital Crimean peninsula. It is equally unlikely that Russia will stand down and allow the Ukraine, and particular the eastern part of the country, to be absorbed into the EU and ultimately NATO.

Here again AlertsUSA warns readers that this situation is rapidly moving towards a possible dangerous confrontation between the U.S., NATO and Russia. Given other tension-filled regions in the world, it is highly probable that an outbreak of hostilities in central Europe could easily result in additional conflicts popping up, such as in the western Pacific between China and Japan, North and South Korea and even between Iran and Israel. With major powers preoccupied, regional skirmishes are a distinct possibility and a regular part of defense planning.

There should be no question that with the downturn of the global economy, numerous countries around the world, including the U.S., awash in debt and the increasing scramble for strategic resources, we are entering into a dangerous time period.

AlertsUSA continues to monitor the situation in Ukraine closely and will immediately notify service subscribers of any significant escalation or substantial U.S. involvement as events warrant.